The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed the appointment of all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new captain of the national men’s ODI team, replacing Najmul Hossain Shanto. The 27-year-old all-rounder will lead the side for the next 12 months, beginning with the upcoming three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka scheduled for next month.
Miraz, who has previously captained Bangladesh in four ODIs in Shanto’s absence, expressed his joy upon being entrusted with the leadership role.
“Captaining the national team is a dream come true. I’m incredibly honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me. This is a proud moment for me and my family.
“I believe in this group – we have the skills and the mindset to play fearless cricket. I want us to express ourselves confidently, stay committed, and keep playing with heart for the country.”
With 1617 runs and 110 wickets in 105 ODIs, Mehidy Hasan is currently ranked No. 4 among ODI all-rounders in the ICC rankings. He joins an elite list of Bangladeshi cricketers – alongside Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan – to have completed the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the format.
Earlier this year, Miraz was also named vice-captain of Bangladesh’s Test squad for the first series of their new World Test Championship cycle, also set to take place in Sri Lanka.
BCB Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Nazmul Abedeen highlighted Mehidy’s consistency and character as key factors in the Board’s decision.
“Miraz has consistently delivered with both bat and ball and brings a fighting spirit and infectious energy to the team. His performances, leadership qualities, and overall maturity make him a fitting choice to guide the team through this transitional phase in our ODI journey.
“We’re grateful for the positivity and character Shanto displayed during his captaincy stint. He remains an integral part of our leadership group and a key figure in the batting unit.”
Shanto, who remains Bangladesh’s Test captain and a central figure in the side’s batting line-up, had a respectable run as ODI captain. In his 13 matches at the helm, he scored 564 runs at an average of 51.27, including notable contributions with the bat. However, he managed only four wins compared to nine losses during his captaincy stint. Overall, he has amassed 1565 runs in 49 ODIs, averaging 34.77, with three centuries and ten half-centuries to his name.
